Depth setter bit holder

ABSTRACT

A depth setter bit holder formed in accordance with the present disclosure includes a main bit holder body having a first receptacle, a drive bit removably receivable within the first receptacle of the main bit holder, and a depth setter body removably securable on the main bit holder body such that the depth setter body partially encloses the drive bit.

BACKGROUND

Modern construction practices assemble wall and ceiling surfaces byusing manufactured panels that are placed adjacent to one another andaffixed to the structural “studs” of the building. These manufacturedpanels, generally referred to as “drywall,” are available from severalmanufactures in stock sizes. Drywall panels are configured as afiller/structural material sandwiched between two outer surface layersof paper. The structural integrity of the drywall panel relies on thebond between this paper and the internal filler material.

The drywall panels are typically attached to the building studs withdrywall screws. Drywall screws typically have a tapered countersink headwith a flat face. The drywall screw is installed through the drywallpanel and into the stud of the building. The drywall screw is installedin the drywall so that the head of the screw is at least below the outersurface of the drywall. In this manner, the drywall panel can be coatedwith joint compound, drywall mud, etc. to aesthetically finish thedrywall without the screw head protruding therefrom.

The drywall panel is secured to the stud by the interference of thescrew head pulling the panel against the underlying stud. If theinstaller uses too much pressure and sets the drywall screw head toodeep into the drywall panel, the outer paper layers and underlyingfiller layers can be damaged. Thus, it is important that the drywallscrews be installed within the panel at a proper depth.

To install the drywall screws at a proper depth, there are severalcommercially available options for installers. There are task specificpower tools, such as drywall electric screw guns or drywallscrewdrivers, which have adjustable depth and clutching features to setthe drywall screw at a desired depth within the drywall panel. The drawback is that these power tools are only useful for this particular job.The cost and limited use of these tools makes them impractical for userswho are not professional drywall installers.

There are also simple driver bits that can be used with a standard handdrill.

These are typically referred to as “depth setter bits,” “screwindenters,” “dimpler bits,” etc (hereinafter collectively referred to as“depth setter bits”). An example of a prior art depth setter bit isshown in FIG. 4. Depth setter bits are a permanent assembly of twocomponents. Specifically, depth setter bits include a ring R that ispermanently affixed to an insert bit B (such as a one inch, Phillipsbit) at a preset position. The ring R acts as a depth stop for the bit Bwhen the bit is driving a screw within a drywall panel. Morespecifically, with the ring R engaging the drywall panel, furtherdriving action by the installer results in the bit tip disengaging thescrew head as the screw is driven to its finished depth in the drywall.

The prior art depth setter bit is a simple and effective installationtool, but it has some inherent drawbacks. The stop ring R makes the bitB more expensive and limits its use to the specific task of installingdrywall panels. It is known in the art that the stop limit anddisengagement caused by the ring R accelerates wear to the bit drivertip and therefore requires frequent replacement. Since these specialtydepth setter bits are more expensive and harder to obtain than standarddrive bits, the cost often outweighs the benefits of using a depthsetter bit.

In addition, with the ring R being permanently attached to the bit B,the depth setter bit cannot be used in edge or corner installations.More specifically, the drive bit tip cannot sufficiently extend into thedrywall panel due to the interference of the stop ring R with thedrywall corner. In these situations, the ring R can cause the bit B todisengage the screw head prematurely, thereby leaving the screw headexposed above the drywall surface. In order to properly install thedrywall screws in a corner, the entire depth setter bit must be removedfrom the chuck or receptacle of the hand tool and replaced with astandard bit, which is time consuming and inefficient.

Furthermore, the ring R and bit B combinations are used in conjunctionwith industry standard magnetic bit holders H that add length to the bitB for ease of use. The magnetic bit holders H have receptacles thatmagnetically retain the end of the bit B therein. The bit holders H alsoincrease the magnetism of the bit B to help hold the driven screw inplace on the bit end during installation. The depth setter bit rings Rare generally produced from steel so that they may be press fit onto thebit B. The magnetic properties of these steel rings R diminish themagnetic force of the bit holder H and the bit B. In most bit holders H,magnetic force is typically all that is used to secure the bit withinthe holder. If the tip of the bit B sticks in the screw head, thepulling force being exerted on the bit B can easily overpower theholding force of the magnet, and the bit B can become dislodged from thebit holder H.

Based on the foregoing, it can be appreciated that a low-cost depthsetter bit having improved magnetic properties and versatility isdesired.

SUMMARY

A depth setter bit holder formed in accordance with the presentdisclosure includes a main bit holder body having a first receptacle, adrive bit removably receivable within the first receptacle of the mainbit holder, and a depth setter body removably securable on the main bitholder body such that the depth setter body partially encloses the drivebit.

A depth setter bit holder for use with a hand tool formed in accordancewith another aspect of the present disclosure includes a main bit holderbody having a first receptacle, a drive bit removably receivable withinthe first receptacle of the main bit holder body, an attachment shankextending from the main bit holder body opposite the drive bit, a depthsetter body removably securable on the main bit holder body such thatthe depth setter body partially encloses the drive bit, and a lockingmechanism configured to releasably secure the depth setter body to themain bit holder body.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This summary is not intended to identify key features ofthe claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid indetermining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of thepresent disclosure will become more readily appreciated by reference tothe following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a depth setter bit holder formed inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the depth setter bit holder ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a side cross-sectional view of the depth setter bit holder ofFIG. 1 shown in a first engaged position;

FIG. 3B is a side cross-sectional view of the depth setter bit holder ofFIG. 1 shown in a second engaged position;

FIG. 3C is a side cross-sectional view of the depth setter bit holder ofFIG. 1 shown in a third disengaged position; and

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of a prior art depth setter bit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A depth setter bit holder 10 formed in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present disclosure may best be seen by referring toFIG. 1. The depth setter bit holder 10 generally includes a toolattachment shank 14 received within a first end of a main bit holderbody 18 and a drive bit 30 received within an opposite end of the mainbit holder body 18. A depth setter body 22 is releasably secured to themain bit holder body 18 and houses a portion of the drive bit 30 tocontrol the depth of a fastener being driven into a drywall substrate orsimilar substrate by the drive bit 30.

For ease of illustration and clarity, the depth setter bit holder 10 ismostly shown in a substantially horizontal orientation, although it maybe suitably used in any orientation, such as vertical. Therefore,terminology, such as “front,” “rear,” “forward,” “rearward,” etc.,should be construed as merely descriptive and not limiting. Further,although certain geometric shapes may be illustrated and describedbelow, it should be understood that such terms are intended to be merelydescriptive and not limiting. Hence, other geometric shapes, such asoval, round, square, etc., are also within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

Referring to FIG. 2, the components of the depth setter bit holder 10will now be described in detail. The tool attachment shank 14 includes atool attachment end 34 that is suitably sized and shaped to be receivedand retained within a receptacle or chuck of any standard hand drill,screwdriver, or similar tool. For instance, the tool attachment end 34may be hex shaped or any other suitable polygonal shape that is receivedwithin a correspondingly shaped chuck of a drill.

The tool attachment shank 14 includes a bit attachment end 36 definedopposite the tool attachment end 34 that is suitably sized and shaped tobe received within a tool attachment receptacle 40 of the main bitholder body 18. The main bit holder body 18 may be press fit around thebit attachment end 36 of the tool attachment shank 14 or otherwisesecured to the tool attachment shank 14 in any other suitable manner,such as by magnetic force. Moreover, it should be appreciated that themain bit holder body 18 and the tool attachment shank 14 may instead beformed integrally as a single component.

The main bit holder body 18 includes a bit receptacle 42 formed in theend of the main bit holder body 18 opposite the tool attachmentreceptacle 40. The bit receptacle 42 is suitably sized and shaped toremovably receive the hex shank 32 of the drive bit 30 therein. Thedrive bit 30 may be removably secured within the bit receptacle 42 inany suitable manner. Preferably, the main bit holder body 18 and drivebit 30 are formed from suitable metals such that the drive bit 30 ismagnetically retained within the bit receptacle 42 in a manner wellknown in the art. For instance, in the embodiment illustrated, a magnet46 Is disposed within the bit receptacle 42. In the alternative, themain bit holder body 18 may include a ball detent or similar mechanismthat selectively interferes with detents formed on the exterior surfaceof the hex shank 32 of the drive bit 30 to removably secure the drivebit 30 therein.

The magnet 46 also helps magnetically retain a fastener, such as ascrew, on the driving end of the drive bit 30 in a manner well known inthe art (see FIGS. 3A-3C). The drive bit 30 is shown as a one inchPhillips drive bit since drywall screws typically include a flattenedPhillips drive head. However, it should be appreciated that the bitreceptacle 42 of the main bit holder body 18 may be configured toreceive any suitable drive bit 30 therein, such as one inch bits, twoinch bits, etc., and bits having any suitable drive head (such asPhillips, Torx, Allen, Flat Head, etc.).

As noted above, the depth setter body 22 is releasably secured to themain bit holder body 18 and houses a portion of the drive bit 30 tocontrol the depth of a screw driven into a substrate. The depth setterbody 22 is substantially cylindrical in shape and includes an internalcavity 44. The internal cavity 44 includes an overall diameter sized toslidably and rotatably receive a portion of the main bit holder body 18therein, and the internal cavity 44 is of an overall length to house asubstantial portion of the drive bit 30 protruding from the main bitholder body 18. The internal cavity 44 of the depth setter body 22 isdefined by several internal bores of differing diameters, wherein theinternal bores house portions of the main bit holder body 18 and drivebit 30 therein as briefly described above.

More specifically, the internal cavity 44 defines a first conicallytapered surface 48 at a first end of the depth setter body 22 that issized and configured to guide the main holder body 18 into the internalcavity 44. A main bit holder body bore 52 extends from the firstconically tapered surface 48 away from the first end of the depth setterbody 22. The main bit holder body bore 52 is sized and configured tosecurely receive the main bit holder body 18 therein. In that regard,the main bit holder body bore 52 has a diameter that is substantiallythe same size and the diameter of the main bit holder body 18.

However, the main bit holder body bore 52 is also sized such that thereis sufficient clearance between the main bit holder body 18 and thedepth setter body 22 so that the depth setter body 22 may slidably androtatably receive the main bit holder body 18 therein. In that regard,the depth setter body 22 and main bit holder body 18 are made fromsuitable materials and are manufactured in a suitable manner such thatthere is minimal friction between the depth setter body 18 and the mainbit holder body 18 when the main bit body 18 rotates relative to thedepth setter body 22.

A drive bit bore 56 extends from the main bit holder body bore 52 awayfrom the first end of the depth setter body 22. The drive bit bore 56 issized to house a portion of the drive bit 30 extending from the main bitholder body 18. The drive bit bore 56 is of a predetermined diametersuch that the drive bit 30 may rotate freely with respect to the depthsetter body 22.

The drive bit bore 56 is of a reduced diameter compared to the main bitholder body bore 52 to define a first shoulder 58 between the main bitholder body bore 52 and the drive bit bore 56. The end of the main bitholder body 18 is engageable with the first shoulder 58 to limit theaxial inward movement of the main bit holder body 18 within the depthsetter body 22. In that regard, the main bit holder body bore 52 is of apredetermined axial length to locate the depth setter body 22 on themain bit holder body 18 in a predetermined axial position. In thismanner, the drive bit 30 may protrude from the depth setter body 22 apredetermined amount so that the depth setter body 22 can control thedepth of a fastener driven into a substrate by the drive bit 30.

Referring additionally to FIGS. 3A-3C, the first shoulder 58 also actsas a depth stop for the depth setter body 22 when the depth setter bitholder 10 is driving a fastener into a substrate. More specifically, thedepth setter body 22 is maintained in its axial position with respect tothe drive bit 30 when the depth setter body 22 engages the firstshoulder 58. As such, the depth setter body 22 may control the depth ofthe fastener driven within the substrate.

A ramped collar 60 may additionally be provided on the exterior of themain bit holder body 18 to help limit the axial inward movement of thedepth setter body 22 when driving a fastener into a substrate. Theramped collar 60 is secured to or otherwise formed on the main bitholder body 18 in any suitable manner, and it includes a substantiallytransverse end face 70 that is engageable with the end of the depthsetter body 22. The ramped collar 60 also provides the added benefit ofdefining a smooth transition between the depth setter body 22 and themain bit holder body 18 when the depth setter body 22 is received on themain bit holder body 18. In this manner, the edge of the depth setterbody 22 does not easily become caught on loose objects, which couldcause the depth setter body 22 to become dislodged from the main bitholder 18.

A drive bit opening 62 is defined at the end of the drive bit bore 56near the second end of the depth setter body 22. The drive bit opening62 is of a diameter suitably sized to provide clearance between thedepth setter body 22 and the driving end of the drive bit 30 such thatthe drive bit 30 may rotate freely with respect to the depth setter body22. The drive bit opening 62 is also preferably smaller in diameter thanthe drive bit bore 56. As such, a second shoulder 64 is defined betweenthe drive bit bore 56 and the drive bit opening 62. The shoulder of thehex shank 32 of the drive bit 30 may engage the second shoulder 64 tolimit the axial movement of the drive bit 30 within the depth setterbody 22. As such, if the drive bit 30 becomes dislodged from the mainbit holder body 18 when driving a fastener into a substrate, the secondshoulder 64 will prevent the drive bit 30 from falling out of the depthsetter body 22.

A second conically tapered surface 66 extends from the drive bit opening62 and intersects a front stop face 68 defined on the forward, secondend of the depth setter body 22. The second conically tapered surface 66provides clearance for the head of a fastener engaged with the end ofthe drive bit 30.

The front stop face 68 is preferably substantially transverse to theelongated axis of the depth setter body 22 such that it is engageablewith the substrate surface when driving a fastener into the substrate.Moreover, the front stop face 68 is positioned axially relative to thedriving end of the drive bit 30 such that the interference of the frontstop face 68 with the substrate causes the drive bit 30 to disengage thefastener when it is driven into the substrate a predetermined depth, asshown in FIGS. 3A-3C, and as is well known in the art.

As noted above, the depth setter body 22 is slidably and rotatablyreceived on the main bit holder body 18. The depth setter body 22 isalso removably secured on the main bit holder body 18. In this regard, alocking mechanism 74 is defined between the depth setter body 22 and themain bit holder body 18 for selectively securing the depth setter body22 on the main bit holder body 18. The locking mechanism 74 is definedby a first annular groove 78 formed on the exterior surface of the mainbit holder body 18 and a second annular groove 80 formed within the mainbit holder body bore 52 of the depth setter body 22. The first annulargroove 78 substantially aligns the second annular groove 80 when themain bit holder body 18 is fully received within the depth setter body22 as described above (i.e., the main bit bolder body 18 engages thefirst shoulder 58).

The locking mechanism 74 further includes a spring clip 82 partiallydisposed within the first annular groove 78. The spring clip 82 ispreferably oval in shape or another suitable shape and size such that itis normally in a partially extended position when received within thefirst annular groove 78. In this manner, the spring clip 82 will alsoextend into the second annular groove 80 when the first and secondannular grooves 78 and 80 are aligned. With the spring clip 82 disposedwithin the first and second annular grooves 78 and 80, the spring clip82 retains the depth setter body 22 axially on the main bit holder 18when the main bit holder body 18. Moreover, the extension of the springclip 82 within the second annular groove 80 causes a snap or tactilesensation to indicate to the user that the main bit holder body 18 isfully received within the depth setter body 22.

The spring clip 82 is also compressible within the first annular groove78 by the interior surface of the depth setter body 22. Morespecifically, when the main bit holder body 18 is slid within the depthsetter body 22, the first conically tapered surface 48 engages thespring clip 82 to compress the spring clip 82 within the first annulargroove 78. As such, the main bit holder body 18 can be slid within thedepth setter body 22. The main bit holder body 18 is slid inwardly untilthe end of the main bit holder body 18 engages the shoulder 58, therebyaligning the first and second annular grooves 78 and 80. With the firstand second annular grooves 78 and 80 aligned, the spring clip 82 mayextend partially into the second annular groove 80. The interference ofthe spring clip 82 and the first and second annular grooves 78 and 80retains the depth setter body 22 axially on the main bit holder body 18.

An annular ramp 84 is formed on the interior of the depth setter body 22and extends from the second annular groove 80 toward the first end ofthe depth setter body 22. The annular ramp 84 urges the spring clip 82into the first annular groove 78 when a predetermined axial force isexerted on the depth setter body 22 and/or the main bit holder body 18.The spring clip 82, as noted above, is compressed within the firstannular groove 78 by the interior surface of the depth setter body 22.As such, the main bit holder body 18 may be pulled outwardly from withinthe depth setter body 22 (or the depth setter body 22 may be pulled offthe main bit holder body 18) upon exertion of a predetermined axialpulling force. In this regard, the depth setter body 22 may include anexterior annular groove 86 or other suitable contour that defines agripping surface for pulling axially on the depth setter body 22.

As can be appreciated from the foregoing, the locking mechanism 74removably secures the depth setter body 22 on the main bit holder body18. As such, the depth setter body 22 may be removed to replace thedrive bit 30 within the main bit holder body 18 when, for instance, thedrive bit 30 becomes worn. Replacing the drive bit 30 is much lessexpensive that replacing the entire depth setter bit holder 10.

Furthermore, the depth setter body 22 may be easily removed such thatthe main bit holder body 18 and drive bit 30 may be used as a normaldriver (when received within the receptacle or chuck of the tool, suchas a screwdriver or hand drill). As described in the Background sectionabove, such use may be desired when, for example, a fastener must bedriven into a corner or another constrained area that does notaccommodate the enlarged diameter of the depth setter body 22.

Moreover, by using a spring clip 82 to removably secure the depth setterbody 22 on the main bit holder body 18, the depth setter body 22 isstill rotatable with respect to the main bit holder body 18 when securedthereon. As such, the user can hold the depth setter body 22substantially steady when driving a fastener into a substrate. The usermay grip the exterior annular groove 86 of the depth setter body 22 tomaintain the steady grip when using the tool. By holding the depthsetter body 22 steady, the fastener can be more easily driven straightinto the substrate, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3C. Furthermore, the front stopface 68 of the depth setter body 22 causes minimal marring ordestruction to the substrate since it does not have to rotate with thedrive bit 30.

In addition to the benefits described above, by using the lockingmechanism 74 rather than press fitting the depth setter body 22 onto themain bit holder body 18, a softer, non-magnetic material may be used forthe depth setter body 22. Using a non-magnetic material increases theresultant magnetic holding power of the drive bit 30 with the head of afastener. Likewise, the resultant magnetic holding power of the main bitholder body 18 with the drive bit 30 is increased.

It should be appreciated that although a locking mechanism defined byfirst and second annular grooves and a spring clip is preferred, othersuitable locking mechanisms are also within the scope of the presentdisclosure. Thus, while illustrative embodiments have been illustratedand described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure.

The embodiments of the present disclosure in which an exclusive propertyor privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A depth setter bitholder comprising: (a) a main bit holder body having first and secondends and a first receptacle defined at the first end of the main bitholder body; (b) a drive bit removably receivable within the firstreceptacle of the main bit holder body; (c) a depth setter bodyremovably securable on the first end of the main bit holder body suchthat the depth setter body partially encloses the drive bit and thedepth setter body wherein a portion of the depth setter body isengageable with the main bit holder in a locked position tosubstantially prevent movement of the depth setter body in a first axialdirection toward the second end of the main bit holder body when thedepth setter body is in the locked position; and (d) a ramped collarsecured on the main bit body holder, the depth setter body engageablewith the ramped collar when the depth setter body is moved in the firstaxial direction.
 2. The depth setter bit holder of claim 1, wherein thedepth setter body includes an internal cavity defining a main bit holderbody bore sized and configured to slidably and rotatably receive themain bit holder body.
 3. The depth setter bit holder of claim 2, whereinthe internal cavity defines a drive bit bore having a diameter less thana diameter of the main bit holder body bore, thereby defining a firstshoulder between the main bit holder body bore and the drive bit borethat is engageable with the main bit holder body to substantiallyprevent movement of the depth setter body in the first axial directiontoward the second end of the main bit holder body.
 4. The depth setterbit holder of claim 3, further comprising a locking mechanism configuredto releasably secure the depth setter body to the main bit holder body.5. The depth setter bit holder of claim 4, wherein the locking mechanismcomprises a first annular groove formed on the main bit holder body, asecond annular groove formed on the depth setter body and alignablewithin the first annular groove, and a spring clip disposable within thefirst and second annular grooves.
 6. The depth setter bit holder ofclaim 5, wherein the first and second annular grooves are aligned whenthe main bit holder body engages the first shoulder.
 7. The depth setterbit holder of claim 5, further comprising an annular ramp extendingbetween the second annular groove and the main bit holder body bore,wherein the annular ramp is configured to urge the spring clip into thefirst annular groove when the depth setter body is moved in a secondaxial direction relative to the main bit holder body.
 8. The depthsetter bit holder of claim 5, further comprising a first conicallytapered surface extending from the main bit holder body bore toward anend of the depth setter body, wherein the first conically taperedsurface is configured to urge the spring clip into the first annulargroove when the depth setter body is moved in the first axial directionrelative to the main bit holder body.
 9. The depth setter bit holder ofclaim 2, wherein the internal cavity defines a drive bit bore having adiameter, the drive bit bore defining a drive bit opening with adiameter less than the diameter of the drive bit bore, thereby defininga second shoulder between the drive bit bore and the drive bit openingthat is engageable with a portion of the drive bit.
 10. The depth setterbit holder of claim 1, further comprising a tool attachment shankextending from the second end of the main bit holder body opposite thefirst receptacle.
 11. A depth setter bit holder for use with a handtool, comprising: (a) a main bit holder body having first and secondends and a first receptacle defined at the first end of the main bitholder body; (b) a drive bit removably receivable within the firstreceptacle of the main bit holder body; (c) an attachment shankextending from the second end of the main bit holder body opposite thedrive bit; (d) a depth setter body removably securable on the first endof the main bit holder body such that the depth setter body partiallyencloses the drive bit, wherein a portion of the depth setter body isengageable with the main bit holder body when the depth setter body ismoved in a first axial direction toward the second end of the main bitholder body, wherein the depth setter body is in a locked position whenthe depth setter body is engaged with the main bit holder body, thedepth setter body moveable in a second axial direction relative to themain bit holder body toward a removed position; (e) a ramped collarsecured on the main bit body holder body, the depth setter bodyengageable with the ramped collar when the depth setter body is in thelocked position; and (f) a locking mechanism configured to releasablysecure the depth setter body to the main bit holder body in the lockedposition.
 12. The depth setter bit holder of claim 11, wherein the depthsetter body includes an internal cavity defining a main bit holder bodybore sized and configured to slidably and rotatably receive the main bitholder body.
 13. The depth setter bit holder of claim 12, wherein theinternal cavity defines a drive bit bore having a diameter less than adiameter of the main bit holder body bore, thereby defining a firstshoulder between the main bit holder body bore and the drive bit borethat is engageable with the main bit holder body.
 14. The depth setterbit holder of claim 13, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a firstannular groove formed on the main bit holder body, a second annulargroove formed on the depth setter body and alignable within the firstannular groove, and a spring clip disposable within the first and secondannular grooves.
 15. The depth setter bit holder of claim 14, whereinthe first and second annular grooves are aligned when the main bitholder body engages the first shoulder in the locked position.
 16. Thedepth setter bit holder of claim 14, further comprising an annular rampextending between the second annular groove and the main bit holder bodybore, wherein the annular ramp is configured to urge the spring clipinto the first annular groove when the depth setter body is moved in thesecond axial direction relative to the main bit holder body.
 17. Thedepth setter bit holder of claim 14, further comprising a firstconically tapered surface extending from the main bit holder body boretoward an end of the depth setter body, wherein the first conicallytapered surface is configured to urge the spring clip into the firstannular groove when the depth setter body is moved in the first axialdirection.
 18. The depth setter bit holder of claim 12, wherein theinternal cavity defines a drive bit bore having a diameter, the drivebit bore defining a drive bit opening with a diameter less than thediameter of the drive bit bore, thereby defining a second shoulderbetween the drive bit bore and the drive bit opening that is engageablewith a portion of the drive bit.
 19. A depth setter bit holdercomprising: (a) a main bit holder body having first and second ends anda first receptacle defined at the first end of the main bit holder body;(b) a drive bit removably receivable within the first receptacle of themain bit holder body, the drive bit having a shank portion, a drivingportion, and a shank shoulder defined between the shank portion and thedriving portion; and (c) a depth setter body having an internal cavitydefining a depth setter body interior surface, the internal cavitydefining a main bit holder body bore of a predetermined cross-sectionand size to rotatably and removably receive the first end of main bitholder body therein, the internal cavity further defining a drive bitbore of a predetermined cross-section and size to allow the passage androtation of the driving portion and the shank portion of the drive bitrelative to the depth setter body, the internal cavity further defininga drive bit opening bore integrally formed on the depth setter bodyinterior surface having a drive bit opening of a fixed diameter lessthan a diameter of the drive bit bore to define a bore shoulderintegrally formed on the depth setter body interior surface between thedrive bit bore and the drive bit opening bore, wherein the drive bitopening is larger in diameter than the driving portion of the drive bitto define a gap between the drive bit opening and the driving portion ofthe drive bit, and wherein the drive bit opening is smaller in diameterthan the shank portion of the drive bit such that the shank shoulder ofthe drive bit is engageable with the bore shoulder to retain the drivebit within the depth setter body.
 20. The depth setter bit holder ofclaim 19, further comprising a ramped collar secured on the main bitbody holder, the depth setter body engageable with the ramped collarwhen the depth setter body is moved in a first axial direction.